On Monday, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg debuts its brand-new 1,100-gallon saltwater aquarium, as an educational piece of local marine life.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the aquarium will be Monday, June 10 at 11 a.m. at The Reef dining facility in the newly constructed USFSP University Student Center.
The purpose of the new exhibit is to underscore the importance of marine life, featuring an interactive kiosk that links to various marine projects in the area. In addition, the kiosk will have a video feed to the Weatherbird II research vessel. The ship is part of the Florida Institute of Oceanography.
“Marine life is a vital part of both the culture and economy of Florida,” says USFSP Interim Regional Chancellor Bill Hogarth, “this aquarium will be a living reminder of that.’’
Hogarth, who championed the aquarium project, is the director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography and a former dean of the USF College of Marine Science.
The aquarium display will also have a video feed featuring details of the various species on display, which include tarpon, angelfish, puffer fish, triggerfish, sharks and rays, as well showing the chemistry of the aquarium water.
There are also plans to put an underwater webcam inside the tank, allowing a computer to watch the marine life 24 hours a day.
Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration and Aquarium supplied the new aquarium, with donations from Duke Energy and the USFSP Student Government Association. Secrets of the Seal are also the designers and builders of the new marine attraction at John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach.
“As a strong believer in the importance of science education,” says Duke Energy Florida President Alex Glenn, “we are proud to partner with USFSP on this terrific project.”
The USFSP University Student Center is 200 Sixth Ave. S, Street Petersburg.
